Belgium manager Roberto Martinez has claimed that Toby Alderweireld's spell on the sidelines has been a "concern" for him ahead of the World Cup in Russia.

Having become a key part of Mauricio Pochettino's defence following his arrival in north London back in 2015, the centre-back has only featured in three games for the club since the turn of the year.

While the hamstring injury picked up in November's famous win over Real Madrid left him out of action for some time, the form of Davinson Sanchez has stopped him from returning at the heart of defence alongside Jan Vertonghen.

On the bench for Saturday's FA Cup semi-final defeat against Manchester United, the 29-year-old has four fixtures before the end of the campaign to get himself as fit as possible for the World Cup.

"Obviously it’s been a concern, because Toby has been Mr Consistency in the last few seasons," said Martinez on talkSPORT.

Toby Alderweireld in action at Brighton

"Remember, he had a great partnership with Jan Vertonghen. They started together at Ajax, they developed at a very young age and ended up playing in the Premier League together.

"That gives you a knowhow that has been reflected in their performances.

"With Toby, he had a difficult injury at the beginning of the season.

"But when he’s been with the national team he has been really important in our performances.

"In the last few years he has been at a very, very good level.

"Now it’s just (about) trying to see that he can get back to the best level and then being able to get that match fitness that he’s missing because of the lack of games."